The Royal Three Counties Show, one of the UK’s largest and most esteemed agricultural events celebrating the countryside and rural life, returns to Three Counties Showground from 16 – 18 June 2023 with an outstanding agricultural programme.
As one of England’s biggest livestock and equine shows, more than 6,000 animals will feature, with the crowning of cattle, sheep, goat and pig champions across 900 classes, over 50 rare and minority breeds (the UK’s largest collection) and 15 national breed shows. The ever-popular Grand Parade, taking place daily in the Main Arena, is a highlight of the show, particularly as it often includes the next generation of young farmers showing their livestock.
The National Rare and Minority Breeds Show on Sunday 18 June offers a fascinating insight into the conservation and preservation of these animals, and aims to inspire the next generation to get involved in the future of rare breed survival through the Rare Breeds Junior Handlers class. The Royal Three Counties Show will also be a qualifying round for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s Young Shepherd of the Year competition (with the final to be held at English Winter Fair at Staffordshire County Showground on Saturday 18 November 2023).
The World Sheep Shearing Championships 2023, or the ‘Golden Shears’, are being held in the UK the weekend after the Royal Three Counties Show, so there will be a great opportunity to cheer on both national and international shearers having their final practice at the show before the prestigious competition.
Well-known rural TV presenter and rare and minority breeds farmer, Adam Henson, will return as show ambassador to inspire visitors in the Farming Village, while the Future of Farming Zone, will welcome returning Clarkson’s Farm funnyman, author and cider connoisseur, Kaleb Cooper, on Saturday 17 June; adding to its line-up of informative talks, Q&A sessions, on topics such as careers in agriculture, networking opportunities and insights into the latest cutting-edge technology in food and farming. Rising social media star and Weir End Farmer, Ally Hunter-Blair will also be making an appearance at the show.
In a bid to create a link between sheep farmers and visitors, the new Farming Experience Area will be an interactive educational space that will take visitors through ‘The Story of Wool’, by linking the sheep being shown and sheared at the show to fleece competitions and the creation of garments and products. There will also be a chance for visitors to get close to different breeds of sheep and meet farmers. The British Wool’s fleece competition will also be held in this area.
This year’s Royal Three Counties Show will also host the Flack Trophy. Judges from the British Pig Association will scrutinise the entrants to find a well-matched pair that represent outstanding examples of the breed. The boar will need to have power, breed type and great locomotion, whilst the sow or gilt will have great femininity and show all the qualities of a functional productive pig.
The Countryside Arena will play host to sheepdog and gundog scurry demonstrations, fabulous falconry displays, magnificent heavy horses and a have-a-go fishing skills area. The popular Fur, Feather and Farm area will give families the chance to meetfriendly alpacas and goats and will provide information on the important role bees play in our ecosystem.
There will also be lots of information and advice available on joining the YFC and the types of activities and events members get involved in throughout the year.
 | Tickets are on sale now, costing just £23 in advance and children under 16 are free of charge. To see the full programme and book tickets visit www.royalthreecounties.co.uk or call 01684 584 924. |
